It can increase blood flow to the heart

There's one part of your body that's especially fond of laughter: your heart. According to the Cleveland Clinic, laughing immediately increases the blood flow to the extra-important organ, similarly to what happens when you're doing aerobic exercise.

Laughter increases your immunity

Negative stress causes chemical reactions in your body that decrease your immunity, making it more likely you will get sick. A hearty laugh fuels your immune system with disease-fighting powers that will help you stay healthy and energetic.

Laughter can reduce anxiety and other negative emotions

A 1990 study in Psychological Reports looked at the effects of humorous laughter on threat-induced anxiety. Laughter therapy has also been shown to improve anxiety in patients with Parkinson's disease, reduce anxiety and depression in nursing students, and improve optimism, self-esteem, and depression in menopausal women.

 It's a good workout

Speaking of physical exercise, however, it's worth noting that watching stand-up comedy and laughing can be an easy workout, too. Of course, you probably shouldn't try to substitute laughing for a solid gym workout, but it does have its benefits. Studies have suggested that 10-15 minutes of laughing can burn about 50 calories. In addition to burning a few calories, laughing also works your stomach muscles by causing them to expand and contract. It also works out your shoulders and exercises the diaphragm and heart.